Allie was real good this year, please bring her . . .

1. An Undone Cloche; 2. A Tied Bow Ring from Erica Weiner Jewelry; 3. A Beatles documentary, this seems good: The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit.

And we wonder why Americans are so fat. Based on the food and beverage comparisons alone, Paris vs New York should be called Petite vs Obscene. When it comes to the caffeine fix, the French opt for a delicate espresso to be enjoyed standing at the bar. In America, coffee orders can be cringe-inducing, like “Lemme have an extra-large with 10 sugars and extra cream.” Let’s be honest. At this point, you aren’t even drinking coffee. You might as well have ordered a coffee milkshake and should consider placing a bulk order for diabetes testing kits.

Ah, yes, the cultural carbohydrate contingent. Personally, I’m a baguette lover. Love the taste. Love the crusty exterior. Love it paired with butter. Love it paired with jam. And love how romantic it looks sticking out of my tote bag as I pedal through the park. Bagels are not nearly as aerodynamic or idyllic. Moving on . . .

Hmm, this one’s kind of a toughie. I think it’s safe to say that directors are known for having eccentric (questionable) behavior. In this case, Godard (father of Nouvelle Vague) may or may not be an anti-semite, and Woody may or may not have pedophilial tendencies. But, let’s let the facts speak for themselves, shall we? Godard ranked No. 3 on the BFI’s list of The Top 10 Directors, whereas Allen didn’t even make the list.

Winner: Paris!

We admit, top 10 lists are ubiquitous. But come on, everyone loves a quick and dirty peek into someone else’s life, right? We’re calling ours “Top of Mind” — a ten question rundown of whatever happens to be occupying the mind right now — this second! Today, we’re picking the brain of actress, on-camera host, and stylish stylist, Grasie Mercedes. So tell us, what’s on your mind Grasie?

1. I need a pair of blue or purple Jeffrey Campbell Lita boots in my life.

2. Praying for rain in LA, a week of rain!

3. I’m starving but sick of figuring out what to eat. IN N OUT always seems like the best choice.

4. ACNE: Bad for your face, great for your wardrobe!

5. I want to move just so I can paint new walls and create a collage of framed photos.

6. If you throw on a blazer you can step up any outfit . . . really! Try it.

7. I will get the acting role of my dreams by February (this February 2011).

8. My dog Hayden really is the cutest!

9. Alexander Wang is king of lazy chic, and I thank him for it.

10. Top Shop should open in LA before Chicago, come on!

Wanna know more about Grasie? Visit her Web site grasiemercedes.com for daily style inspirations, fashion tips, and more!

Here’s the final advert – “Happy Inside” — that resulted from the experiment.

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.

Fortunately, it looks like we won’t have to wait too long to find out. It was announced today that Hustwit is back behind the camera working on his next documentary, the third film in the series, entitled Urbanized. This time, training his lens on the issues and strategies that go into urban design.

Believe it or not, more than half of the world’s population lives in an urban center. And according to statistics, by 2050, that number will increase to 75%. Through interviews with some of the world’s most influential planners, architects, builders, what have you, Urbanized seeks to uncover what makes some cities more successful than others and addresses the challenge of balancing beauracratic tape with basic human need.  

Urbanized is currently in production and is set to be released in 2011. We can’t wait!

Great video by Everynone, Radiolab and NPR